Over 600 students, mostly females, from the tertiary institutions and senior high schools on the Akuapem Ridge, have benefited from a day's workshop on breast cancer awareness, and a screening exercise at Akropong.

The workshop was organized by Breast Care International (BCI), a Non-Governmental Organization, in collaboration with the Presbyterian University College of Ghana (PUCG).

The programme was aimed at educating the students, and creating awareness about breast cancer and how to prevent it.

Addressing the participants, Dr Beatrice Wiafe, President of BCI, indicated that, early detection and treatment of breast cancer by a specialist, was the best way to control the disease.

She indicated that every woman stands the chance of getting the disease, adding that, it is not a devilish or spiritual sickness, as people tag it, but if proper care is taken, it is curable.

Dr Wiafe explained that early education on the disease helps one to understand and have adequate knowledge about it, so as to share with other people who may not know anything about the sickness.

She indicated that women who often experience swollen breast, long menstrual periods from their adolescent ages that goes beyond 60 years, a genetic rotation, where there have been a breast cancer case in one’s family before, and a woman who has not given birth and is above 33 years, stands the risk of having the disease.

She advised the students to examine their breasts regularly, and report any sign of a lump in their breasts to a doctor.

Dr Wiafe said breast and cervical cancer treatment are covered by the National Health Insurance, and therefore, urged the ladies to take advantage of that facility.

Dr Edward Wiafe, Dean of the Faculty of Development Studies, PUCG, said, the health and welfare of a community and its members, are relevant to national development, and called for frequent check-ups as far as the human system is concern.

He indicated that the breasts of women serve some relevant importance in diverse ways to the human body, and act as the only food for babies.

All the participants were given breast examining kit, which they will use to examine their breast once a month, and a free screening exercise to see the state of their breasts.

Some of the participating schools included, Presbyterian University College, Presbyterian Senior High School, Okuapeman Senior High School, Akropong School for the Blind, and Christ Skill Development Centre.